World Cup 2014: 10 young players who can steal the show

While this summer’s World Cup in Brazil is set to be a showcase for the greatest talent football has to offer, it will also be an opportunity for some of tomorrow’s stars to really make a name for themselves.

Here, Standard Sport picks out ten up-and-coming players, all no older than 22, who will be well worth keeping an eye on as they try to build upon their own growing reputations and, more importantly, propel their nations towards glory.

For many, it will be their first major tournament, and there is no greater way of proving potential than to perform on the international stage.

We’ve got a star hailed as the “best defender in the world”, the midfielder tipped by many as the "next Andrea Pirlo" and the young Englishman who played a vital part in his club’s excellent Premier League season.

10 young players to watch at the World Cup 2014

10 young players to watch at the World Cup 2014

1/10
Son Heung-Min, 21 – South Korea

South Korea haven’t missed a World Cup since 1982, but with both Russia and Belgium in their group this summer, they will face a huge challenge to progress past the group stages. Much of the nation’s hope will rest on the shoulders of Bayer Leverkusen’s Son Heung-Min. At just 21, the pacey forward has already been playing on the international stage for four years. He has the ability to score with either foot and can play anywhere across the attacking front.

2/10
Juan Fernando Quintero, 21 – Colombia

It is no exaggeration to say that Radamel Falcao is a living legend in Colombia, so when the news broke that he would miss the World Cup through injury, the nation was understandably distraught. But there is still cause for optimism, predominantly thanks to the potential of Juan Fernando Quintero. The Porto playmaker is an intelligent, technically able young footballer and should provide apt support for whoever is chosen to fill the void left up front by Falcao.

3/10
William Carvalho, 22 – Portugal

William Carvalho made his debut for Portugal in the second leg of their World Cup play-off against Sweden last November. Called up by coach Paulo Bento due to: “his quality and his performances, but also because of a strategy we could use in one of the matches. The fact he is tall could make him an asset." The defensive midfielder has continued to impress for club side Sporting Lisbon with his disciplined and influential play and has been linked with a move to Manchester United.

4/10
Julian Draxler, 20 – Germany

A name especially familiar to Arsenal fans after the Gunners' failed attempts to sign him in January, Julian Draxler is one of the hottest properties in European football. The predominantly left-sided winger’s stock will continue to rise if he performs well at the World Cup, and with his pace, remarkable ball control and ability to provide goals as well as assists, this could be his tournament.

5/10
Raphael Varane, 21 – France

Hailed by Jose Mourinho as ‘the best defender in the world’, Raphael Varane is a stalwart of the Real Madrid defence. He has suffered somewhat with injury this season, but the commanding centre back is still a key member of Didier Deschamps’s squad. His defensive versatility – he can also be deployed on the flanks – adds even more to his appeal.

6/10
Thibaut Courtois, 22 – Belgium

The Champions League finalist is well on his way to becoming one of the best goalkeepers in the world - some argue he is already there. The Belgian will be one of the youngest 'keepers at the World Cup and looks set to start ahead of the more experienced Simon Mignolet.

7/10
Marco Verratti, 21 – Italy

Is Marco Verratti the next Andrea Pirlo? Many commentators on the Italian game would have you believe so. The deep-lying playmaker has become a creative force for Paris Saint-Germain, standing out amongst a crowd of world-class talent at the Parc des Princes. Many predicted that his similarity to Pirlo would be his undoing at the World Cup, but Italy coach Cesare Prandelli is intent on a devising a system in which the two can play together.

8/10
Bernard, 21 - Brazil

One of a number of Brazilians to make the move to Ukraine in recent years, the Shakhtar Donetsk winger, who is just 5ft5, is sure to make a big impact in the summer. That is assuming he plays – Brazil, as would be expected, have a remarkable number of gifted attacking midfielders at their disposal. But if Bernard is given the chance, the 21-year-old, who spent a lot of time under Ronaldinho’s wing during his spell at Atletico Mineiro, could shine in his homeland.

9/10
Raheem Sterling, 19 - England

After bursting onto the Premier League scene with Liverpool back in 2012, Raheem Sterling went off the boil for a while. However, he improved immeasurably last season and was integral to Brendan Rodger’s title-chasing side. And while he is by no means the only promising young winger Roy Hodgson has to choose from, after the season he's had, Sterling looks set to play a big part for England.

10/10
Paul Pogba, 21 - France

With his quick feet, power and extraordinary ability to shoot from range (his goals for Juventus against Udinese in January 2013 are a perfect example), Paul Pogba is sure to stand out during this summer’s tournament. He has already captained his country to World Cup glory in 2013 at under-20 level, being awarded player of the tournament in the process. It will take a strong mind, though, to fully focus in Brazil with all the speculation over his club future.

Check out our gallery above to see which other young stars could make an impact greater than their years this summer.